Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal calls for self-reliance amid 50 per cent import dependence on resources

This image has been obtained via official Press Release

Anil Agarwal, Chairman, Vedanta, has shared a LinkedIn post emphasising the need to accelerate exploration of minerals and hydrocarbons in India and stressing for a mission-driven approach to reduce import dependence and strengthening resource self-reliance. In the post, Mr Agarwal highlighted India’s success in achieving food self-sufficiency through a collective ‘above-the-ground’ agricultural transformation. He noted that a similar “Jan Andolan” is needed to unlock India’s vast below-the-ground potential, adding that its rich geology, young workforce and entrepreneurial energy can rapidly scale exploration and production.

Mr Agarwal further highlighted that nearly 50 per cent of India’s imports are linked to below-the-ground resources, and a focused push in this sector can significantly boost domestic production, employment and economic resilience. He underscored the need for policy flexibility, innovation-led reforms and wider participation across startups, private players and industry to drive outcomes.

In his post, he wrote:

“Exploration of our minerals and hydrocarbons below-the-ground is a priority. The world knows how India created a jan andolan in our agriculture. Even as our population grew, we were able to achieve self-sufficiency in food. I salute our farmers. The Green Revolution happened because all of India joined together. The time has come to create a revolution for below-the-ground so that we can be free from imports. This is an area of such huge potential that I estimate that 30 per cent - 40 per cent of our population, especially young people, should find it very attractive to develop their careers and create livelihoods. India has one of the best geologies in the world.

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Of course, as we did for our agriculture in the start, the government will have to be very flexible except on matters related to the environment. There can no compromise on that. Exploration should become a buzzword and attract all kinds of individuals, startups, small companies, large companies – bring everyone together in this national mission. We have to be disruptive in below-the-ground. We have to show to the world. We should let go of old mindsets such as fixed term leases for mines (50 years at present). Like elsewhere in the world, it should be for life of mine. We should think beyond auctions. Let’s not be bound by any one process. The most important thing is the outcome – massively increased production.

All of this has been implemented successfully elsewhere in the world. We have a very advantageous position. Because of today’s advanced technology, our young population, our entrepreneurs and our positive government, we will be fastest to develop below-the-ground potential. At present, 50 per cent of our imports are on account of below-the-ground resources. This is our hard-earned money which is going to create jobs in other countries. Let us use it for our own development. A revolution below-the-ground will completely transform our country. Let’s come together in mission mode.”

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